Bergen & Hardangerfjord Tour Review: Is It Worth It?
Visiting Bergen, Norway, and thinking about taking a trip to Hardangerfjord? You might be wondering if the ‘Bergen Private City Tour with the Best of Hardangerfjord’ is actually worth the money and the time. So, that is what I want to find out for you! I’m going to give you the run down, you know, tell you what’s great, and what could, arguably, be a bit better, based on my experience and, like your typical traveler, my overall opinion.
What You Can Expect From the Tour
Right, so the ‘Bergen Private City Tour with the Best of Hardangerfjord’ gives you a whole day, packed so very full of sightseeing. Think of it as being, like, a combo deal where you get to check out Bergen’s hot spots and soak up the beauty of one of Norway’s most gorgeous fjords, Hardangerfjord. That also sounds fantastic, no?
It starts with, arguably, your own guide picking you up, either from the airport or, if you happen to already be in Bergen, from your hotel. This part makes it really feel more personal, and it is not one of those big group tours. Then you hop, actually, into a vehicle – sometimes a car or, if there’s a bigger group, maybe it is something bigger – and the adventure basically starts. The idea here is to spend a good bit of the morning checking out Bergen. I mean places like Bryggen Wharf (you know, that area with the old colorful wooden buildings), the Fish Market (which is always exciting), and, if the weather is pretty cooperative, maybe even a trip up Mount Fløien or Mount Ulriken for killer, certainly unforgettable, views of the city. You could argue that the mountain views on a clear day are special!
After that, anyway, it’s time to point the car in the general direction of Hardangerfjord. Now, the drive itself is quite an experience. I mean you go through these super charming villages, see some impressive waterfalls, and, honestly, the scenery is picturesque! A real treat for the eyes, so too, it’s a welcome break from all that city stuff.
Once you reach the fjord, sometimes there’s the choice of taking a relaxing fjord cruise (typically during the warmer months) that, obviously, lets you see the views from the water. Imagine being between those huge cliffs! Other times, if the weather isn’t that great or the boat simply isn’t running, there are also other scenic routes along the water’s edge which, I assure you, still give you that stunning view.
The return back to Bergen involves more of the same incredible landscapes. Maybe you might have, like, a slightly tired bum from sitting for so very long, but your head will, certainly, be full of awesome memories. In essence it is a lengthy trip, but a very thorough one!
What I Enjoyed About The Tour
I, really, liked how personal it felt! Having that guide there just for us, so it felt quite different than being herded around in a large group. Any questions? Just ask. You wanted to hang out, arguably, at one place for slightly longer? That, I thought, was never really a big problem.
Bergen itself is lovely but getting, in a way, out to Hardangerfjord really showed a different side of Norway. It seemed very majestic, peaceful. You would see why people travel from all over the earth just to witness such a spot!
Oh, and the photos! Let’s not overlook those! My Instagram has never looked more appealing. The waterfalls, those views of the fjord from, like, every conceivable angle, the charming towns, my gosh! Photo opportunities aplenty, definitely.
Things That Could Be A Bit Better
Okay, let’s get real. Now it is one super long day. It may well feel, near enough, like you’re spending a fair portion of it sitting down. So, bring those snacks, plan for many bathroom stops, and get yourself prepped to sit comfortably.
That’s the thing. Mother Nature is fickle. Bad weather might affect what you see. Maybe the fjord cruise gets canceled. A view may get blocked by mist. You are betting on the weather being, you know, on your side and that is definitely never guaranteed. Bring waterproofs with you in any event.
Being, arguably, a private tour, it is pricier. Should you travel on a strict budget, it might make your eyes water a little. See whether there may be, just a little, cheaper options with group tours but you do lose that personal, close touch, of course. Alternatively you can visit in off season when I am sure it will be less pricey than usual!
Tour Options and Customization
One thing that’s worth looking into before you sign up for anything are actually the tour variations out there. Some, perhaps, will zoom in a little bit more on the city bits, maybe giving you additional walking trips around historical neighborhoods. Some, for example, will emphasize the natural scenery more, perhaps, by stopping at even more viewpoints, or allowing for hikes (so just a little be sure to inquire if they are manageable hikes that fit with your level of fitness, so, too it’s good to make a check, I think!).
The degree to which you can tweak your itinerary, anyway, kind of will hinge on the company and what sort of bundle you sign up for. Usually the benefit of a private trip is that things could be changed or customized more than usual, as it’s far more easy than customizing group visits!
Should there be, just a little, something in specific you absolutely want to check out (such as a specific waterfall, an old church, or that fantastic café you heard about) it is usually possible, possibly, to discuss this with your tour company while you make the booking.
Who Is This Tour Right For?
Well, actually, it is great for individuals who would like something comfortable, personal, and thorough! If cramming many attractions into just a single day, and you want all logistics sorted out by someone else, it is, perhaps, something worth the splurge.
Anyone could go for this. Those traveling alone may feel more secure and catered for than on other types of tours. Families might discover that the privacy really enables them to go at a pace that’s acceptable for young children or even older relatives. Also if you have walking related health concerns and may feel as if it makes larger walking visits less desirable, then consider a personal tour so that you do not worry so very much. And anyone willing to pay a premium for greater comfort.
Alternative Options
You could, arguably, look at public transportation such as buses or trains which are also on offer. Those will take you to a couple of spots close to Hardangerfjord. You have to plan that very thoroughly and get the timings exactly. Alternatively a rental car will give you total control on when to stop and explore, but, of course, means somebody does need to drive. There might even be a bit more stress for that one poor individual. Many organized group trips tend to be more wallet friendly. Just sacrifice a portion of that personal touch.
Some Tips to Help You Benefit From Your Trip
- Right, so layers are super important. Weather shifts quite fast in the fjords! So that, and waterproofs, that’s all that is absolutely recommended!
- That sitting around all day. Break it up, move those limbs, perhaps even stand!
- Charge the telephones and those cameras so you aren’t low on memories by the time you arrive at the gorgeous places! Possibly think about purchasing a portable battery?
- Those personal needs! Mention those beforehand if there’s stuff the tour staff need to be mindful of!
- Involve that guide too! That’s it in particular that you might never discover if you were just trying stuff yourself!
So, Is The Tour Worth It?
Well, so it really boils down to what YOU would like! Should the considered elements sound very perfect – a completely planned out schedule, custom feel, opportunity to see a little city, a lot of fjords – then arguably the ‘Bergen Personal City Tour combined with the Best bits of Hardangerfjord’ is a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime, choice. However, when the thought of long driving times, maybe some high costs, and the weather are off-putting for you. The other more affordable options might better satisfy. Therefore hopefully that breakdown of things offers more assistance. Travel safely on the trips to Bergen as well as the awesome Hardangerfjord!
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